due to infirmity and what extent due to the habit of accommodating the steeply

sloped ceilings of the room.

 

"I have come here to relate something to you, Father."

 

"Then relate it briefly and concisely. I haven't all morning to listen to you

chatter."

 

"In that case, Father, I will come straight to the point."

 

"Come to the point then and be done with it.

 

Some of us have work to be getting on with."

 

"Very well. Since you wish me to be brief, I will do my best to comply. The fact

is, Father has become increasingly infirm. So much so that even the duties of an

under-butler are now beyond his capabilities. His lordship is of the view, as

indeed I am myself, that while Father is allowed to continue with his present

round of duties, he represents an ever-present threat to the smooth running of

this household, and in particular to next week's important international

gathering."

 

My father's face, in the half-light, betrayed no emotion whatsoever.

 

"Principally," I continued, "it has been felt that Father should no longer be